Udzungwa Mountains National Park

dzungwa Mountains National Park is one of Tanzania’s most spectacular and biologically rich protected areas. Located in southern Tanzania, the park forms part of the Eastern Arc Mountains, a chain of ancient mountains known for their exceptional biodiversity.

Unlike most national parks in Tanzania, Udzungwa is primarily explored on foot, making it a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. The park features a variety of habitats, including tropical rainforest, montane forest, miombo woodland, grasslands, and steppe landscapes.

With more than 400 bird species, thousands of plant species, and several rare primates, Udzungwa holds one of the highest levels of biodiversity in Africa, making it a fascinating destination to include in a southern Tanzania safari itinerary.

Wildlife in Udzungwa Mountains

Udzungwa is home to a wide range of wildlife, particularly primates and smaller forest animals.

One of the park’s most remarkable features is its six species of primates, including two that are found nowhere else in the world:

Iringa red colobus monkey

Sanje crested mangabey

The Sanje crested mangabey remained unknown to science until 1979, making it a relatively recent discovery.